[Colonel James Duncan Graham]. Report of the Secretary of War,
Communicating, In compliance with a resolution of the Sen...

Description

[Colonel James Duncan Graham].Report of the Secretary
of War, Communicating, In compliance with a resolution of the
Senate, the report of Lieutenant Colonel Graham on the subject of
the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. 32d
Congress, 1st Session, [Senate], Ex. Doc. No. 121.
[Washington, 1852]. First edition. Octavo. [1], 2-250 pages. 2
folding lithograph maps: "Mexican Boundary Sketch A. Referred to in
Colonel Graham's Report..." (approximately 5" x 18"); and "Mexican
Boundary B. Extract From the Treaty Map of Disturnell of 1847."
(approximately 8.75" x 15"). 1 folding lithograph chart:
"Barometric Profile of the Route From San Antonio, via Castroville,
Fort Inge...etc." (approximately 8" x 43").Condition: Near fine internally. Lacking both boards but
retaining the spine panel. The maps and charts are in unusually
fine condition, bright, and with the exception of a small fold and
tear on "Mexican Boundary Extract B." at the lower tip-in point
(not affecting the map itself), without damage.

More Information:

The map entitled Mexican Boundary B (see Plate 40 in Martin & Martin) delineates the boundary difference which would result from the two different interpretations of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo vis-à-vis the Disturnell map. The first interpretation was based on strict reference to the lines of longitude and latitude on the map; the second on actual reference to the landmarks of El Paso and the Rio Grande. The Disturnell map had placed El Paso too far north and west of its actual position. Graham's maps show that the two interpretations would result in a difference of 5,950 square miles to U.S. territory in an area strategic to mining and railroads. Jenkins considered Graham's account to be the most detailed of the numerous government documents regarding the Mexican Border Surveys.